Stacey Kirkpatrick, Hop & Clover Brewing Co

Mentorship Q&A with Bloodwood’s Claire Van Vuuren

There is no denying the immense benefits mentoring can offer someone new to our industry. This Q & A session not only touches on the difference a mentor can bring to those starting out, it also highlights the value the relationship has for the industry leaders providing the guiding advice.

Self-made success: advice from 3 of the industry’s best

We’ve spoken about the value of mentorship plenty of times at Women in Hospitality– its importance really can’t be underestimated. Here, three of the hospitality industry’s most accomplished business leaders – women who many would consider to be brilliant mentors – share pointers on how young women can take control of their own career progression.

Karen Gough, proprietor, Settlers Tavern

Longevity in the wine industry and in our business (we’ve had it since 2003) helps. We take a special interest in the wineries, whether small or founding, who are striving to match our ethos of caring for employees, sustainability, being community minded. It’s very rewarding to have local winemakers as our customers.

Talking trends with women in wine

There’s no shortage of skill or expertise in Australia’s wine industry – perhaps now more than ever. From winemakers to sommeliers and top-notch floor staff, the Australian diner is blessed with both a selection of brilliant drops and second-to-none service in the dining room.

On the Floor with Kate McGraw

From produce to patronage: managing the seasons

“Seasonality certainly goes beyond the four seasons. Some fruits and vegetables are not available for the full 3 months but merely weeks, and in other times there’s an overlap between seasons. I certainly think that as our climate changes, so must our idea of the seasons..

On the floor with…
Lisa Margan, co-owner Margan Wines and Restaurant

When was the moment you knew hospitality was going to be your industry?

My first career was as a high school teacher and one of my subjects was Hospitality. On an excursion with my senior class we went to The Summit (revolving restaurant on top of Australia Square) which in those days (late 1980s) was one of Sydney’s best. We had an amazing meal …

Gender diversity: why it’s good for business

“We always aim to recruit the best person for the job,” said Rebecca Yazbek, director of Surry Hills diner, Nomad. “It just so happens that in our business, the best person for head chef, assistant restaurant manager, sommelier, baker, and our floor staff have all been women.”…

Julia Campbell On Launching WOHO

Early last month, Julia Campbell launched the not-for-profit, Women in Hospitality. Founded with the aim of championing women in the industry, the organisation provides members with a forum through which to explore ideas and share information, as well as access to education and mentorship initiatives. The inaugural Women in Hospitality event saw the founding of the WOHO board…

5 Australian Initiatives Supporting Women in Hospitality

Over the last few years, the myth that hospitality is a “female-dominated” industry has begun to break down, with statistics revealing that the industry is still plagued by the gender gap at every level – from coffee brewing to wine making.

In light of this evidence, a number of initiatives across Australia are helping address this inequality by boosting the role of women in hospitality.

International Women’s Day Celebration with WOHO x PorkStar

Join us for an industry celebration of International Women’s Day!

Women in Hospitality and PorkStar bring you an Autumn Cookout. An event not to be missed highlighting female chefs, butchers, pig farmers, brewers and distillers.

Chefs Alex Herbert and Claire Van Vuuren (Bloodwood/Popla) will be fire roasting on the medieval barbecue, the Sausage Queen Chrissy Flanagan (The Sausage Factory) serving her artisan sausages, Naomi Lowry (Culina et Vinum) dishing up piggy delights and there will be a charcuterie station by Jacqui Challinor (Nomad) and Julianne Lever (Julianne’s Kitchen).

Sam Fuss (Philter) and Kathleen Davies (Nip of Courage) will be gathering their friends to serve up brews and spirits from female brewers and distillers.

Not to mention, there will be a live breakdown from a female butcher and a rockabilly band.

Gather your friends and come along to help us celebrate International Women’s Day in style!

Special thank you to all involved including Porteno Events and our partners Australian Pork, Vittoria Food and Beverage and supporting restaurant groups Solotel, Fink, Rockpool, Ormeggio and A Tavola.

Tickets $35 for non-members and $25 for members, includes all food and beverage and are non-refundable.

Entrepreneurs: they’re not all created equal “In 2004 I was caught up in the Boxing Day tsunami in Sri Lanka’s north, a country which at the time was [suffering through] a 30 year long civil war. “In the midst of the tsunami, a young woman held my hand. She had lost everything: her child, her husband, her home. I had never met her before, but in that moment, as she gripped my hand tightly, I wanted nothing more than to have her be okay.” This moment changed Abarna Raj’s life. After walking away from her successful corporate career, Raj founded […]